Hometown
Tombouctou, Mali
Undergraduate education
Bachelor’s degree in literature and English language, master of culture and business, certificate in communication
Achievements
The author of three books, including the recently published, “Success, But at What Cost?”
Employer
Leading Change Africa
Job title
Director of Operations
Start date
2024
Primary job responsibilities
I oversee program strategy, operations, and partnerships for Leading Change Africa — a nonprofit that equips young Africans with leadership, entrepreneurship, and agricultural skills. I participate in budget management, program design, and monitoring & evaluation, while leading teams across East and West Africa, and the U.S. I also play a key role in strategic planning, donor engagement, and scaling our programs’ impact.
How do you use what you learned at La Follette on the job?
I use my La Follette training every single day. From statistics and data analysis to evaluate program outcomes, to policy analysis and memo writing to provide evidence-based recommendations, to public management and logic models to design and strengthen programs — these skills are core to my daily work. Beyond the technical skills, La Follette also helped me grow in leadership, collaboration, and confidence, which I now apply as I lead diverse teams across continents.
Why did you choose La Follette for your graduate degree?
I chose La Follette because I wanted a program that combined rigorous policy training with a supportive, close-knit community. Coming from Mali, I was looking for a place where I could gain the analytical tools to connect local realities in Africa to global policy solutions — and La Follette was exactly that place. The recommendations of people I met on campus in Madison also helped me choose La Follette.
What impact did your client-based projects have on your career?
My Capstone project with the International Rescue Committee, focused on financial capability services for newly arrived refugees, was transformative. It showed me how policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and data interpretation can directly inform programs that change lives. That project gave me confidence in translating classroom learning into practical solutions, which is exactly what I do in my current role.
The way we structured the final proposal, the kinds of data we used, and the way we applied analysis gave me a concrete, practical example of how to use these skills in the real world.
What was the most rewarding experience at La Follette?
The most rewarding experience was realizing how much support I had from faculty and staff who believed in me and my vision. Whether it was securing a teaching position at the last minute, helping me find resources to return to Mali for an internship, or encouraging me through challenges, I always felt surrounded by a community that wanted me to succeed. That support continues to inspire how I mentor and lead others today.
Who were some notable La Follette mentors?
Mo O’Connor, Marie Koko, and faculty in the MIPA program who encouraged me to link my field experience to policy practice. I’m also grateful to colleagues at the Institute for Regional and International Studies (IRIS), who exposed me to global perspectives.
What advice would you give students who are about to begin their La Follette education?
Be proactive — reach out to professors, alumni, and guest speakers, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or request meetings. Many people will say yes, and those relationships can shape your career. Take on challenges outside your comfort zone — whether it’s a difficult class, a leadership role, or a networking opportunity. And finally, protect your well-being and always stay rooted in your “why” — your purpose will keep you going through the hard days.
Favorite Madison restaurant
I usually cook more than I eat out, but during my time in Madison, I often went to Olive Garden and also enjoyed Maharani, the Indian restaurant downtown.